Anyone shopping for a new home computer soon runs into the eternal (at least in cybernetic terms) debate about Mac versus PC.

For most the choice of home computer is based on familiarity and personal preference, says Steve Dotto, host and producer of Dottotech, a weekly technology show on Citytv. “It’s always going to come down to what people are comfortable with,” Dotto says.
“I encourage people to look at Macs. For most fami­lies, if they’ve got young kids or most people that are into media, I still like Mac.”

But for some computer users the PC is the best choice, Dotto notes. “If you’re a gamer, you won’t even look at a Mac. The games aren’t written for it,” says Dotto. “If you’re going to use your PC as a media centre, as a PVR (personal video recorder), then Windows is a better solution.”

For many home computer owners, the range of uses is pretty basic and focused on two or three functions. “Web browsing and e-mail are the primary uses now,” says Dotto. “Then it’s digital photography and after that it’s a hodge-podge.”
Some of Apple’s recent additions to their Macintosh computers, like iLife, have won praise in many quarters for the ability to manage digital photos.

The best choice for a home-based business depends on the type of business and the business software requirements. “If you have an accounting package that only runs on Windows, then you want a PC.”

The technological gulf that separated PC and Mac users a decade ago, when software was limited to just one system, is not an issue today, Dotto says. “So few people have an application they run only on one system. If you’re using Microsoft Office, it’s the same format on Mac and Windows. It’s akin to choosing diesel or gas for your car right now.”

The computer marketplace has also seen the relatively recent rise of the laptop replacing the desktop, an attractive option for people who want portability and power, Dotto says.

“I get the sense that desktop replacement notebooks are be­coming more popular. They’re portable and transportable.”

Whatever computer ends up on your desk, the main thing to focus on is making sure it has the cybernetic muscle to handle today’s complex software.

Most computers need at least one gigabyte of Random Access Memory (RAM), however, two gigabytes of RAM offers the best choice for running today’s high-powered software packages, Dotto says.

“We’re just dealing with so much more data all the time now. You want as much (RAM) as you can.”

Finding the right home com­puter won’t break the bank; a powerful computer with enough RAM and storage space for a life­time of photos and documents is less than $2,000.

“Between $1,200 and $1,500 gets you are you really want these days, unless you need high-end gaming,” Dotto says.  NL

Getting connected
Wireless or not, Internet and home computers the perfect pair

These days, a home computer without an Internet connection is nothing more than an expensive and bulky electronic solitaire game. Manufacturers and retails know this, and they’ll often sweeten the deal on a computer system by offering a few months’ free Internet access through a national Internet service provider (ISP) as part of the package.

For most homeowners, a dial-up Internet connection is a thing of the past, says Steve Dotto, host and producer of Dottotech, a weekly technology show aired on Citytv.

For urbanites, the choice is a high-speed connection, either through a cable TV connection or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL).

The choice of ISP is often dictated by what sort of package deal can be arranged, Dotto says. Telephone and cable companies will often bundle Internet service with other services, lowering the monthly cost. Some companies will also throw in a free modem, the electronic device that links your computer to the Internet, or will let a customer buy it at a reduced price.

Of course, once Internet is connected in the home, homeowners face a choice between a wire-based network and a wireless network. If there’s an old setup in the home with just one line in use, then a single landline connection may be the best choice.
“Most people are choosing wireless networks now. They’re convenient and you don’t have to run wires all over your house,” Dotto says.

Wireless router
The key to a wireless connection in your home is the wireless router. The router takes the incoming Internet feed from the service provider and establishes a point where the computers in your home connect to your wireless network through wireless adapters. Any wireless connection and network must be made secure against outside intruders who can gain access to your network through an unsecured connection. A recent article in PC World magazine (available at http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130330/article.html) offers useful details on wireless security.

Firewall
A firewall is essentially part of the defense against unwarranted intrusion into your computer. Once enabled, these electronic sentries block raids on your computer system. Firewalls are included with most computer operating systems, and some ISPs offer firewall protection as part of their service package. Computer owners can also add firewalls as part of an overall computer security package offered by firms such as McAfee and Symantec (Norton).  Read more about firewalls at PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,112920/article.html